Saturday, 10th November, 2007
Well, darling readers, I’m back! After what felt like an eternity spent in dreary Derbyshire (though a certain someone did manage to persuade me to perform in a production of "Giselle" which was quite lovely, so thank you, Theatre Royal Derby!), I am back in my absolute favourite city on Earth – Paris!
As soon as the EuroStar pulled into Gare du Nord this morning, my heart just fluttered with excitement. The Parisian air feels electric, and even the pigeons here seem a bit more chic!
Oh, and speaking of "chic"... how amazing is this pink tutu?! It's a little different to my usual style, featuring a cascade of layers and fluffy pink ostrich feathers. It feels a bit like dancing in a cloud! I had to buy it when I spotted it in a quaint little boutique on the Rue de Rivoli – you've never seen so many beautiful pink feathers in one place!
But enough about tutus for now… I have SO much to tell you about this whirlwind Parisian adventure. It’s a whirlwind because my journey actually started yesterday. It's a bit of a secret… but after that beautiful "Giselle" performance in Derby, I managed to get a very last minute flight to Paris. I figured if I wasn’t going to see the latest Dita Von Teese show at the Lido – which, by the way, is on THIS evening – then I wouldn’t be living life to the full. It was completely impulsive, of course. But isn't that what Parisian chic is all about?!
Now, let me tell you, darling readers, a certain someone - shall we call him the tutu-loving Parisian – did make a very last-minute dash to pick me up at Charles de Gaulle Airport, because who else would understand the importance of making it to this magical, sequined extravaganza in time?! I mean, have you seen those fabulous feather boas? The ones that line the whole theatre, just like they do at the Folies Bergere?! The ultimate expression of Paris!
But, we must slow down… This Parisian journey wouldn't be the same without a few moments for sightseeing, darling. So, before this evening's glamour-fest at the Lido, I thought I'd take you on a tiny little tour of my favourite spots...
The Place de la Concorde
Now, it’s not the place for pink tutus – too much classic elegance, not enough sparkle. But the architecture is breathtaking. We just wandered around for ages, admiring the imposing Tuileries Garden entrance, the gilded statue of the obelisk from Luxor and the two exquisite fountains (which were thankfully still working! One was undergoing repair the last time I was here, quelle horreur!) Of course, a perfect Parisian morning can’t exist without croissants… so we enjoyed some delicate, flakey pastries at a cute little patisserie opposite the entrance. Heaven!
The Louvre
My second must-see Parisian destination. Just as beautiful in every season. I adore strolling through the courtyards. It just makes you feel like you've stepped back in time! The magnificent glass pyramid feels so modern, and yet it fits so perfectly into this classic landscape. We're not going in this time, though. I saw the Mona Lisa and all the Renaissance masters during my last visit, but that's an experience I think deserves a separate post. And maybe even a post about fashion too, as the Parisian art scene inspires me so much. Note to self: Must write about the perfect outfits for viewing masterpieces!
The Marais
We had a divine lunch at Le Marais, of course. This district is just perfect for a quick bite. The food in Le Marais is just so delicious, the shops are wonderfully quaint and all of the Parisians seem so charming, don't you think? And everything here feels so authentic. It’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of Champs Elysees, darling! And if you’re in Paris looking for beautiful clothes, and you happen to be obsessed with pink like myself, then this is where you have to go! The most gorgeous shops. You just feel like a princess! (Oh, and they had a pink feather boa on a dress mannequin in a window on Rue de Sévigné! Divine! )
Shopping, darling, shopping!
Naturally, the entire day couldn't be just sightseeing. We stopped in at Galeries Lafayette for a peek in their lovely lingerie department. I may have brought home a beautiful silk negligee... it's all in the name of research, darling! Just kidding! Well, sort of... it will look fabulous under a pink tutu. It was calling my name, I couldn’t resist! I adore Galeries Lafayette’s fashion… all the exquisite couture! So beautiful. It makes me think about what it would be like to design and model my own ballerina tutu clothing line. You can bet if I ever did, all the pieces would be as elegant and stylish as everything I saw in this department.
Then, we hopped on the Metro for a whirl around the chic department stores of Saint Germain-des-Pres. A little window-shopping… just for inspiration. And for a touch of that exquisite French designer fashion everyone dreams of, of course.
Time for dinner... and Dita!
But, * darling readers, it's evening time now! Time for Parisian elegance and a very important dinner, of course. My favourite spot in Paris? A *gorgeous little restaurant just a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower. If it’s chic, it's worth a shot. This one was the perfect mix of refined Parisian ambiance, delicious food, and just a little bit of a view of the Eiffel Tower to complete the magic of the city… It’s been my Parisian dining ritual ever since that magical first trip to Paris when I was just a little ballerina in training. And this particular place also had some incredibly lovely floral table arrangements... very French! And very romantic. You can never have too many flowers, I say!
But my friends, I’m running out of time, because Dita is waiting! I know I’ll see her fabulous feathers at the Lido. Tonight’s performance is sure to be stunning. The Lido is one of my Parisian must-sees… the dance, the glamour, and of course, those exquisite costumes! I am going to indulge my inner-femme-fatale tonight and allow myself to get swept away in the glitz and glamour of the Moulin Rouge’s Parisian sister…and, of course, try to capture a glimpse of the extraordinary Dita. You know, for future pink tutu inspiration, darling.
I hope to get some photos at the Lido to add to my Parisian Pinterest board!
So bonjour for now, darlings! I promise you, I'll be back soon with even more Parisian inspiration, Parisian ballet delights, and a full report on my glamorous night at the Lido. Until next time...
Always,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don’t forget to send me your thoughts on this post – it means the world to me! You can leave your comments at the bottom of my blog.
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